The Woodlands Methodist School Department of Athletics Handbook

Transcription

1 The Woodlands Methodist School Department of Athletics Handbook A Ministry of The Woodlands United Methodist Church 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive The Woodlands, Texas, twmschool.org thewoodlandsumc.org Fax:

2 Eagle Student Athletes and Parents, Welcome to the TWMS Eagles Athletics school year! It is with great joy that we welcome you, as we look forward to the opportunity to guide and coach you through your athletic endeavors this year. Our Athletics program places great value on the wellness of the whole person: spiritual, social, mental, physical, and emotional. It is our goal to instill in our athletes the foundational elements necessary to lead healthy, productive, and successful lives. Indeed, we believe that school athletics can provide life-long benefits to individuals, including a greater sense of purpose in one s self, developing positive and strong work ethic, enhanced self-esteem and self-confidence, opportunities to balance leadership with humility, enriched social interaction skills, and the lasting benefits of making healthy lifestyle choices. Thank you for choosing to be a TWMS Eagle Athlete! We are excited to get started and look forward to a successful year. Sincerely, TWMS Athletics Department

3 TWMS EAGLE ATHLETICS STAFF Meredith Covell Paraprofessional - 2nd grade Lady Eagle Basketball Assistant Coach mcovell@twumc.org Amber Dunagan Teacher - Physical Education Lady Eagle Basketball Head Div II Coach Cross Country Assistant Coach Track and Field Assistant Coach adunagan@twumc.org Kori Dyer Lady Eagle Basketball Head Div III Coach K_dyer4@yahoo.com Travis Harvey Youth Worship Leader Eagle Basketball Assistant Coach tharvey@twumc.org Sandra Huskey Fitness Director - Recreation Ministry Cross Country Head Coach Track and Field Head Coach shuskey@twumc.org Tyler Little Sports Director - Recreation Ministry Golf Head Coach Eagle Basketball Head Div III Coach tlittle@twumc.org Stacy Schiffman Head Cheerleading Coach stacylburton@yahoo.com Garrett Ritter Athletic Director gritter@twumc.org Cherri Seeton Teacher - 7th grade Language Arts & Middle School Theater Volleyball Assistant/Head Div III Coach cseeton@twumc.org Lisa Thomas Paraprofessional - 1st grade Volleyball Head Div II Coach lthomas@twumc.org Ken West Teacher - 5th grade Science Eagle Basketball Head DIv II Coach kwest@twumc.org Caleb Wohlgemuth Assistant - Recreation Ministry Eagle Basketball Assistant Coach Volleyball Assistant Coach cwohlgemuth@twumc.org

4 Our Mission Athletics at The Woodlands Methodist School serves to advance the overall mission of our church; Win people to Jesus Christ, Disciple them in faith, and help those in need. We are also founded on the mission of our school; To provide a joyful, Christian education through which children develop a lifelong love of learning, pursue excellence, and positively impact the world. In harmony with these missions it is our purpose as an Athletics department to foster Christ centered relationships with our team and our opponents through the avenue of sports. Through Athletics and its innate challenges, we have a powerful tool to reach students in valuable ways including their spiritual, social, mental, physical, and emotional health. Through these components we instill in our athletes foundational elements necessary to lead healthy, productive, and successful lives.

5 Our Values Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105 We believe in following the word of God, striving to glorify him in everything we do. The following are character qualities we seek to build in our students through TWMS Athletics. Control Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 1 Corinthians We can handle any situation. We maintain our self control. We focus on God s purpose for our lives. We compose ourselves in a godly manner. Determination Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 We show courage in all that we do. We do not hang our head in defeat. We play every moment to achieve our best. Faith Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 The Lord is in control. We Believe!

6 Humility For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgement, as God has allotted to each measure of faith. Romans 12:3 God is responsible for our abilities and successes. We humble ourselves and give thanks to our Lord. Integrity Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. Colossians 3:23 We are honest. We play by the rules. Love Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who doesn't love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 1 John 4:7-10 We care about our teammates, coaches, referees and our opponent. Respect Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor. Romans 12:10 We are punctual and prepared. We show respect to everyone. Spirit Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before Him with joyful singing. Psalm 100:2 We have positive attitudes. We have fun. Stamina Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,

7 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 We keep our eyes fixed on higher goals. We never quit. Strength I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 We do not rely on ourselves alone. We make strong our weaknesses. Teamwork And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common. Acts 2:44 We are committed to each other. We encourage one another. Trust In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me? Psalm 56:11 We believe in each other.

8 Eagle Athletics Practice So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 Athletics practice will take place each school day from 2:55-4:15pm. Athletes will be given 15 minutes to change, eat and hydrate. Official practice will begin at 3:10pm. Athletes must be picked up promptly at 4:15pm (location of pickup may vary based on the sport/day of the week etc.). Please communicate with coaches any alternative pickup plans. Please note the following practice policies and procedures for Eagle Athletics: 1. Safety and Health - Safety and the overall health of our Athletes is the priority of TWMS Athletics. In order to keep our Athletes safe and healthy during practice we require: 1. Athletes bring healthy nutrition to fuel their body before practice. 2. Athletes bring a filled, non-disposable, water bottle to each practice in order to stay hydrated. ii. We recommend: 1. Athletes do not over exert or over-commit themselves during the season with additional sports or activities. Practicing each day will require plenty of rest for muscle recovery. Athletes participating in additional sports outside of school during a sport season can be susceptible to injury and exhaustion. iii. We pledge: 1. At least one coach supervising our athletes will be trained in CPR/First Aid.

9 2. Nurses will be available during practice to assist with minor injuries. 2. Participation - Practice is the primary mode of preparation for athletes in a sport. Practice Is Mandatory i. Absence - Athletics is a class and in order to be excused, you must have a doctor's note or written excuse. ii. Participation- High expectations will be placed on the athlete during practice time. We expect during practice time the athlete direct full attention at all times to the coach and the skills being taught. iii. Grading - Athletics is a graded course, grading will occur as follows: 1. Participation will account for 50% of the overall grade. This includes being on time, prepared, well behaved, and showing appropriate effort. 2. Concepts and Skills will account for the other 50% and will be based on understanding the strategy and concepts within the sport and working to improve their skills. 3. Practice Uniform and Gear i. Practice Tee- For each sport one practice tee will be issued. This tee will belong to the athlete and must be worn for each practice. Alternatively, students may wear a school tee-shirt (Eagle shirt, family 5k etc.). Athletes may also purchase additional practice shirts for $15. ii. Duffle Bag- For each sport students will be issued a duffle bag. This bag belongs to TWMS Athletics and must be returned at the end of the season. This bag can be used to carry equipment to practice and competitions. Athletes should not write their name on the bag, however the use of a bag tag or other easily removable identifiers is recommended for differentiation. iii. Other Gear- Athletes will need to provide certain sport and school appropriate gear for practice. Gear will need to meet the following requirements- 1. Shorts must be at least fingertip length or compressions/tights must be worn underneath that extend

10 beyond fingertip length (Note: compression shorts, shirts, or other visible undergarments must be white during a competition). 2. Skin tight leggings or compressions may not be worn without shorts over. 3. Socks must be worn with athletic shoes (Note: Socks must be white for competition). iv. Gear for daily practice by sport: (Note: We highly recommend athlete have sport specific shoes that are not their everyday pair). 1. Cross Country- running shoes (about ½ size bigger than foot), running socks, tights or compressions, running shorts. 2. Volleyball - volleyball court shoes, athletic socks, tights or compressions, athletic shorts, and knee pads. 3. Basketball- basketball shoes, socks, and basketball shorts. 4. Cheerleading- athletic shoes, athletic socks, athletic shorts in accordance with dress code, ponytail holders etc.(hair needs to be up for practice). 5. Track and Field- running shoes (about ½ size bigger than foot), running socks, tights or compressions, running shorts (track spikes recommended for sprinters and jumpers). 6. Golf- Personal clubs, golf shoes, school uniform must be worn to the course for practice, practice tee-shirt can be worn for on campus practices with athletic shorts or golf shorts/pants. 4. Devices - Cell phones and other electronic devices must be off and and put away in a bag or locker. No devices may be used before, during, or after practice with the exception of calling a parent if needed.

11 Eagle Athletics Competition Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won t need to compare yourself to others. Galatians 6:4 Athletic competitions will take place against other private school and homeschool organizations in the area. Competition schedules will be provided by our coaches and will also be accessible through the school website. Please see the following policies and procedures for Eagle Athletic competitions. 1. During and After School Competitions a. HOME i. On Game Day, Athletes who play after 5pm must be picked up at regular school dismissal time (3:45pm). Athletes playing at or before 5pm will be under the supervision of their coaches up to and through the competition. ii. Athletes who are dismissed will need to return to the school and meet with their coach 30 minutes prior to competition time (unless otherwise indicated by the coach). iii. Athletes must be prepared for their game with all necessary gear and apparel. b. AWAY i. All Athletes will travel with the team/teams on the bus to after school (and during school) away competitions. ii. Athletes will need to come to school prepared for competition with all necessary gear and apparel. If the competition occurs at or prior to 10am, athletes may come to school already dressed for the game. iii. Athletes may be dismissed after their competition if the regular school day is over or will be over by the time of their return.

12 iv. Athletes may ride back to the school post competition via school transportation only if necessary and must be picked up within 15 minutes of school arrival.otherwise they will be expected to arrange their own transportation home. 2. Weekend Competitions a. No transportation will be provided for weekend competitions, parents must make travel arrangements. b. Athletes will need to meet with their coach 30 minutes prior to competition time (unless otherwise specified). c. Athletes must be prepared for their competition with all necessary gear and apparel. 3. Competition Uniform and Gear a. The Woodlands Methodist School will issue the following gear and apparel per sport, this gear must be returned post-season in good form. If the equipment is not returned, the Athlete is responsible for the cost of a replacement. i. Cross Country- Duffle Bag, Singlet, Shorts ii. Volleyball- Duffle Bag, Home and Away Jersey, Shorts iii. Basketball- Duffle Bag, Home and Away Jerseys, Home and Away Shorts iv. Cheerleading- Duffle Bag, Poms, Uniform (Long Sleeve, Vest, Skirt) v. Track and Field- Duffle Bag, Singlet, Shorts vi. Golf- Duffle Bag, Golf Polo b. Some sports require or highly recommend the additional purchase of the following items. Once purchased, these items belong to the athlete and may be worn/used during practice and competition: i. Team Warm Up Jacket (ALL SPORTS) ii. Team Warm Up Pants (ALL SPORTS EXCEPT GOLF) iii. Team Hat (Golf Only) iv. Team Golf Bag (Golf Only) v. Knee Pads (Volleyball Only - Must have a white pair game day)

13 vi. Cheer Only - White Shoes for performances (further communication on this will be shared by the coach prior to performance) c. The Athlete is responsible to dress in all gear and apparel necessary for competition including issued and self purchased items. Athletes must adhere to the following uniform guidelines for competition. i. Shorts must be at least fingertip length or white compressions/tights must be worn underneath that extend beyond fingertip length ii. Skin tight leggings or compressions must be white and may not be worn without shorts over iii. Undershirts or compression shirts must be white iv. White socks must be worn (unless otherwise specified) v. Golf Specific 1. Black bottoms must be worn for competition 4. Devices - Cell phones and other electronic devices must be off and and put away in a bag or locker. No devices may be used before, during, or after competitions with the exception of calling a parent if needed. 5. Replacement Cost - If an item is lost or damaged(outside of normal use or damage that occurs in competition) the Athlete will be responsible for the cost to replace the item. a. Cross Country or Track Singlet - $20 b. Cross Country or Track Shorts - $20 c. Volleyball Jersey - $50 d. Volleyball Shorts - $20 e. Basketball Jersey - $50 f. Basketball Shorts - $30 g. Golf Polo - $30 h. Duffle Bag - $30 i. Cheer Uniform - $60 j. Poms- $20

14 Post Season After the final competition of the season, coaches will host 1 or 2 post season practices, in these practices the coaches will: 1. Check-in all issued equipment for the sport a. All equipment must be checked back into inventory each season. b. If the Athlete does not return an item, a letter will be sent home and the athlete will be given 7 days to return the item. Late items must be returned directly to the Athletic Director. If the athlete does not return the item within the 7 day period they will be responsible for the cost of a replacement. 2. Host a small end of season party a. End of season parties may include player recognition, party games, food of minimal nutrition etc. at the coaches discretion. At the end of April an end of the year Athletics Banquet will be held to recognize athletes and celebrate with coaches. This will be a semi formal event. Dates and times will be announced during the spring season. Affiliation The Woodlands Methodist School is a partial member of Houston Area Private Schools (HAPS) Conference. As a partial member TWMS may elect to participate in any individual sport activities offered by the league including league championships. As a partial member TWMS can participate in team sport competition with schools in HAPS however TWMS is not eligible for league championship competition in team sports. TWMS must adhere to all membership and eligibility requirements set forth by the conference.

15 Eligibility 1. All athletes must be attending students at the HAPS member school. 2. No student should be more than 14 years of age on September 1 st of the calendar year in which they play. 3. Academic eligibility policies are left to each individual school. All students should fall under the same policy at the member school. No favor should be shown toward any one athlete in regards to school policy. In order to be eligible for a TWMS Athletics and/or a single game/contest TWMS requires students to: i. Have a grade of 75 or above in all subjects in order to compete. Athlete must still practice even if ineligible but may be excused from practice based on academic improvement plans. ii. Have a favorable standing with regards to behavior. iii. If applicable, the student must be in attendance for a majority of the school day to be eligible for after school competitions. iv. Have acceptable standing with classroom teachers with regards to any incomplete assignments. v. Have been in attendance to all practices with the exception of any excused absences. 4. Athletes who are ejected from a contest will be subject to a 1 game suspension in the next regularly scheduled conference game or contest. 5. Athletes are eligible for only one level of play.

16 6. When numbers warrant, athletes may be brought up a level to serve on the bench or play. However, athletes should not be moved down a level unless agreed upon by member schools in advance. 7. Students who transfer to member schools after September 1 must wait 14 calendar days before participating in official HAPS competitions. This does not include non-haps contests. 8. Students can only play in the end of season tournaments if they have been playing with the team for one-half of the scheduled HAPS league games. The only exception are students whose participation with the team has been limited due to injury or grades. 9. Schools found by the Executive Board to have used an ineligible player will forfeit all games in which the player participated. 10.When gender is established in a sport, only that gender is allowed to participate on those teams. Team Assignments For team sports (Volleyball, Basketball) teams are assigned based on grade and ability. Each season the first 2-3 practices will take place clinic style to evaluate players. HAPS requires ALL 8th graders to play Division I (Blue) 7th graders are eligible to play in Division I or II (Blue or White) 6th graders are eligible to play in all divisions (Blue, White, or Black) 5th graders are eligible to play in Division II or III (White or Black) Everyone who signs up will be assigned a team, we do not hold tryouts, no player will EVER be cut at TWMS.

17 Leaving a Team While we work hard to teach and instill a love and appreciation for each sport, we also understand that there may be a time where an athlete tries a new sport that just doesn t suit them well. While our coaches will continue to engage and pursue the athlete to stick with the sport, if the situation comes to a point where the athlete, parent, and coach agree it is not suitable situation, here are some courses of action we can take: 1. The athlete may join the PE Program. 2. The athlete may join another sport as long as they have not yet had their first competition. Athletic Fee In order to participate in a specific sport, Athletes must be registered through our website by the first practice. At the time of registration an athletic fee will be paid to offset the cost of the program. This fee is non-refundable. Certain sports may require or highly recommend purchase of team or sport specific gear at an additional cost. Medical Medical Release and Physical Evaluation forms must be complete and on file with the school nurse prior to competing or practicing with TWMS Athletics. Please also inform the Athletic Director and/or the Head Coach with any medical concerns prior to the start of the first practice. While we do not have Athletics specific medical personnel or trainers, at least one of the coaches supervising each practice is certified in CPR/First Aid. The safety and health of all Eagle Athletes is our number one priority. The more information we have about the athlete and his/her physical state, the better we can manage his/her overall health during athletics. Parents, please keep the lines of

18 communication open throughout the season with your child s coach, the Athletic Director, and our School Nurses. Athletes please let coaches know if you ever feel in pain, discomfort, or simply out of sorts. It takes all of us being proactive to ensure the safety and good health of Eagle Athletes. Issue Resolution 1. As part of our Athletics program one of our goals is to instill in our athletes a sense of ownership and responsibility for their actions. It is important that athletes learn necessary communication skills and how to resolve conflicts in a God-honoring way. a. Player - Player Conflict - Most issues can be solved between players, but athletes can always request a coach to help mediate and facilitate a healthy solution. b. Player Behavioral Issues - In most cases player behavioral issues can be corrected between the coach and player. For excessive issues parents will be called for a conference. 2. Parent/Coach Relationship - The relationship between Athlete, Coach, and Parent is an extremely important one. In order to foster positive relationships communication is extremely important. Certain issues may be appropriate to discuss with the coach while others should not, or may be expressed to the Athletic Director to maintain good relationships with the team and the coach. a. Appropriate Issues to discuss with the coach: i. The treatment of your child mentally, physically, emotionally etc. ii. Ways to help your child improve iii. Concerns about your child's behavior iv. Any health or medical concerns b. Issues not appropriate to discuss with your coach, if necessary you are welcome to bring these to the attention of the Athletic Director i. Playing time ii. Team strategies

19 iii. Play calling iv. Other athletes hour rule - We do ask that if you have a concern or issue with a competition you allow 24 hours before contacting the coach or athletic director. Attempting to voice your concerns directly after a contest creates an environment that is not conducive to resolution. The 24 hour rule will allow time for reflection as well as the emotionalism to ebb so that rational, fact-oriented discussions can take place at an appropriate time and place. Athlete Code of Conduct Philippians 1:27 - Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Athletes are to conduct themselves in such a way to be pleasing to the Lord at all times whether on the court/field/track, in a class, in their dress and in their daily life. Speech: Proverbs 16:23 A wise man s heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction. 1. Choose your words and your timing wisely. Questionable language or slang words will not be tolerated. Athletes will never engage in any language that can be termed trash talking or profanity. Example: In basketball, chanting air-ball or screaming while the opponent is on the free-throw line shows poor sportsmanship. 2. Athletes will address the coaches and officials with respect. The athlete will address the coach as Coach or Mr., Miss or Mrs. and will take concerns or complaints directly to him/her. Insubordination and divisive speech or behavior will not be tolerated. The athlete will address officials as Sir or Ma am.

20 3. Never criticize the officials or coaches. Coaches and officials represent the authority figure. Obedience to authority is not optional and is not predicated on whether or not you agree with it. Relationships : John 15:12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 1. Develop good relationships and a good rapport with teammates and coaches. God has placed you in this situation for a purpose. You have an opportunity to develop life- long friendships. If sports become all about you, you need not participate. 2. Develop relationships and a good rapport with classmates. Do not attempt to set yourself up on a pedestal. 3. Develop relationships and a good rapport with students from other schools. Never miss an opportunity to share Jesus Christ with others. Unity : I Corinthians 12:12 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. 1. Develop unity within your team. 2. Develop unity with our school family. God has called each one of us to this school. Each of us has different responsibilities, abilities and roles. Never be jealous or envious of someone else s role. Be busy fulfilling your role. 3. Develop unity within the Kingdom. We must establish our philosophy with other schools in order for our ultimate purpose to be met to further the Kingdom of God. It will take other Christian schools being successful. Pray for them as you pray for The Woodlands Methodist School.

21 Motives : I Corinthians 10:31...whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1. Be motivated by the love of God. Live for Him because He gave His life for us. 2. Strive for victory in order to glorify God. 3. Demonste Christ in our lives by abiding by the rules of the game in letter and in spirit. Unfair or unethical tactics will not be tolerated. 4. Committed to excellence. Be committed to excellence in all areas: faith, practice, academics and game preparation. Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established. Proverbs 16:3 Behavior : I John 2:6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. 1. Athletes will maintain a good reputation. The athlete s character will be in good standing with the administration, faculty and staff. 2. Athletes will refrain from the use of profanity, suggestive or threatening language. 3. Athletes refrain from the use of drugs and alcohol and fuel their body by making healthy choices when it comes to nutrition. 4. Athletes will know and understand all requirements. The athlete will know all of the expectations of their team and will follow them both in action and in spirit. 5. Athletes will show respect for all coaches, trainers, and all staff personnel. 6. The athlete will show respect for their teammates. 7. The athlete will respect the seriousness of their commitment by attending all practices, meetings and games as prescribed at the beginning of the season and by working together to accomplish a common goal. Help to hold your teammates accountable for their actions.

22 8. The athlete will maintain a high standard of appearance. He/she will adhere to the strictest interpretations of the school dress code and the team dress and uniform code while at school and at school functions and competitions. 9. Athletes will demonstrate Christ-like character. Both in and out of the arena showing respect in speech and in actions for game officials, opponents, and all those associated with our opponents. 10.Athletes will never engage in fighting. The athlete will maintain self-control at all times. Unsportsmanlike conduct, penalties and technical fouls will not be tolerated. 11.The athlete will know and understand our philosophy. The athlete will respect the eternal effects of their speech and actions as they represent themselves, their families, their school, their church and ultimately their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Athlete Agreement: The Athlete must accept the Athlete Agreement upon registering for a sport in order to participate. It reads: I have read and will comply with the policies and procedures set forth in The Woodlands Methodist School s Athletics Handbook. I understand the great responsibility I will be undertaking as a Student-Athlete and the high expectations that coincide. I will strive daily to uphold the Athlete Code of Conduct to the best of my abilities. I am committed to Eagle Athletics. Parent Code of Conduct Speech: Proverbs 16:23 A wise man s heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction. 1. Choose your words and your timing wisely. Questionable language or slang words will not be tolerated. Anything negative or insulting must be avoided. 2. Be positive and encouraging. Lift your student and others up. Let them know they are important. Let them know the importance of being a member of a team.

23 3. Never criticize the officials or coaches. They are representatives of authority. This is a great opportunity to teach your child how to respect a person in authority. Insist that your child address the coaches and officials with respect. 4. Never be involved in negative cheering or chants. 5. Never speak negatively around the students or other parents about: The School Negativity can be contagious. Instead, create an atmosphere of gratitude. Other students or parents Speak to parents only about your students and their students. Speak to other students only in an encouraging manner. The only time another student or parent s name will be mentioned is in a genuine complimentary fashion. 6. Never criticize your child s teammates. Remember to teach your child team attitude. 7. If necessary, resolve differences with your coaches out of sight and earshot of students and other parents. Call to set an appointment to speak with the coach or the athletic director privately. Pray about what you will say and what is motivating your discussion. Remember the 24 hour rule. Relationships: John 15:12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 1. Develop relationships and a good rapport with team and coaches. God has placed you in this situation for a purpose. You have an opportunity to minister and be an encouragement to others. If sports becomes all about you and your student, you need not participate. 2. Develop relationships and a good rapport with other parents. You will need their prayers and support as much as they will need yours. 3. Develop relationships and a good rapport with parents from other schools. Never miss an opportunity to share Jesus Christ with others. Promote your school and

24 your students. The relationships you develop are a reflection on our ministry as a Church and School. 4. Develop relationships with the coaches. Get to know the coaches. Pray for them. Communicate with them with an open heart and mind. Be open and honest. Unity: I Corinthians 12:12 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. 1. Develop unity within our school family. God has called each one of us to this school. Each of us has different roles and abilities. Never be jealous or envious of someone else s role. Be busy fulfilling your role. Your example of being a unified school body is a valuable lesson for your students to learn. 2. Develop unity within the Kingdom. We must establish our philosophy with other schools in order for our ultimate purpose to be met to further the Kingdom of God. It will take other Christian schools being successful. Pray for them as you pray for our school. Motives : I Corinthians 10:31...whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1. Be motivated by the love of God. Live for Him because He gave His life for us. 2. Teach your students to abide by the rules of the game in letter and in spirit. 3. Use your child s experience as a chance to be involved in his or her life. Your relationship with your child as an adult will last longer than your relationship with them while they are in your home. If you want a relationship with them as adults you need to begin building that relationship now. Athletics affords you that opportunity.

25 Behavior : I John 2:6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. 1. Maintain class and character. You are setting the example for your children. Realize that your every action reflects upon you, your family, TWMS and, ultimately, you re Lord. 2. Always insist that your children follow instructions. Coaches must depend on a player s ability to follow orders immediately and without question. Questions will be raised at the appropriate time, such as at practice or after a game. 3. Be an example. Set the standard high for behavior and appearance. 4. Working with the officials...not working the officials. Badgering an official to persuade a call our way comes with too high a price a loss of our testimony and our ability to influence those others for Jesus Christ. There is never a time at any contest where a parent is afforded an opportunity to say anything to an official other than Thank You. 5. Remain in the stands. Socially visiting with the coach briefly after a game is welcome. Game officials are off-limits. 6. Be modest in victory and gracious in defeat. Coaches, students, parents, and spectators will need to be strong in this area. Shake hands with our visitors before and after the game. 7. Recognize the success of your opponent. Compliment the good play of students from the other school. Congratulate their coaches on a well-coached game. 8. Teach your children that they have a special purpose from God. It is their responsibility to accept God s purpose for them. Do not compare or contrast them to others. This limits their ability to fulfill their own unique potential and purpose. 9. Have fun, touch lives, and be yourself. You have the opportunity to be a positive influence, like no one else may be able to, in the lives of your children and their peers. Games, plays and officials will be forgotten, but your behavior and attitude will stay with your child forever.

26 Parent Agreement The Parent must accept the Parent Agreement upon registering for a sport in order for their child to participate. The Parent agreement consists of two parts, liability, and handbook agreement. It reads: Liability Agreement I hereby grant permission for my child to participate in all of the activities of The Woodlands United Methodist Church/The Woodlands Methodist School. By submitting this form I understand that The Woodlands United Methodist Church/The Woodlands Methodist School will not assume any responsibility in case of an accident, injury, or other loss associated with this event. I hereby release The Woodlands United Methodist Church, its members, officers, employees, or administrators from any and all liability and any responsibility in connection with this event. I hereby grant permission for my child to leave the church premises under supervision of an authorized adult for church related activities. I hereby grant permission for the Minister, Staff Person, Acting Director, or authorized counselor to take whatever steps may be necessary to obtain emergency medical care if warranted. These steps may include, but are not limited to the following: 1. Attempt to contact parents/guardians through the emergency contact numbers provided to TWMS. 2. If we cannot contact you or your child's emergency contact, we will do any of the following: -Call an ambulance. -If non-life threatening, wait for parent or emergency contact to arrive to transport the child to a medical care facility. 3. Provide First Aid/CPR. 4. Any expenses incurred under item 2 will be borne by the family. 5. The church will not be responsible for anything that may happen as a result of false information given at the time of registration.

27 Handbook agreement: I have read and will comply with the policies and procedures set forth in The Woodlands Methodist Schools Athletics Handbook. I understand the great responsibility I will be undertaking as a parent to a Student-Athlete. I will do my best to have my child to all games and practices on time. I will strive daily to uphold the Parent Code of Conduct to the best of my abilities. I am committed to Eagle Athletics.